Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention

Publications and Products

NIOSH Numbered Publications

This site contains documents in PDF format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the file. If you do not have the Acrobat Reader, you may download a free copy from the Adobe Web site.

Compendium of Hearing Protection Devices - Online Version
This latest compendium (June 2003) replaces the earlier PDF version of the 1994 Hearing Protector Compendium (NIOSH Pub. No. 95-105). The current online version has comprehensive, searchable listing of manufacturers' data on hearing protection devices. The data includes mean attenuations and standard deviations of the attenutations, protector construction, materials, and other features that may aid in selection of protectors for specific situations.

Have you Heard? Hearing Loss Caused by Farm Noise is Preventable
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-176 (2007)
This brochure is designed to overview the variety of hearing protection available and when and how to use it. It is a companion to DHHS-(NIOSH) Publication No.2007-175.

They're Your Ears: Protect Them: Hearing Loss Caused by Farm Noise is Preventable
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2007-175 (2007)
This brochure is designed to increase the awareness of farmers about the relationship between farm noise and the early onset of tinnitus (e.g. ringing or buzzing in the ears) and hearing loss among farmers. It is a companion to DHHS-(NIOSH) Publication No.2007-176.

Inquiring Ears Want to Know: A Fact Sheet about Your Hearing Test
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2008-102 (2007)
This fact sheet contains important answers to frequent questions workers ask about their audiograms. It explains your audiogram (hearing test) and gives some basic information about protecting your hearing.

Health Hazard Evaluations: Noise and Heariong Loss 1986-1997
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 99-106 (1999)
This document summarizes a series of investigations conducted through NIOSH's Health Hazard Evaluation program.

Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure -- Revised
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-126 (1998)
This publication contains NIOSH policy and recommendations regarding hazardous noise and hearing loss prevention strategies.

Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss - A Practical Guide
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 96-110 (1996)
This document provides guidance in non-technical terms regarding the eight key components of an effective hearing loss prevention program.

Industrial Noise Control Manual
NIOSH Publication No. 79-117 (1978)
This historic document, originally published in 1975, contains essential information about noise control technology and a collection of 61 case histories of successful noise control projects.

How Can I Test My Hearing Protection?
Perform a hearing protection quick test to see whether you are getting at least a minimal 15 decibel (dB) level of protection.